‘Proud to foster’ campaign to inspire more local carers

As part of the Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight, carers are encouraging more people to follow their lead, with homes for older children and siblings urgently needed.

Fay Sinclair, convener of Fife Council’s education and children’s services committee, said: “Foster Care Fortnight is an excellent opportunity to showcase how foster care doesn’t just transform the lives of the young people who are fostered, it also has the power to change the lives of foster carers, their families and all those who are involved in fostering.

“For children a family is like food and shelter – a basic requirement. Belonging is an important aspect of seeing value and meaning in life and having a healthy sense of self-worth.

“Families provide the first and most important experience of belonging and foster families play a vital role where children can’t live with their birth family.”

Angela Cheney and Justin Ballantyne are proud to foster.

Foster carer Laura Sweeny said: “I decided to become a foster carer because I wanted to give a child stability and security.

“It’s not always easy but Fife Council has given me training and lots of support.”

Dougie Dunlop, head of education and children’s services, said: “Foster carers can transform the lives of vulnerable children by giving them all the benefits of being part of a family.

“We urgently need people who can care for older children, help sibling groups stay together and provide permanent homes.”